⭐ Five Mischievous Monkeys: A Playful Twist on a Classic Counting Story ⭐
For use in early years, SEND settings, and at home.
A joyful, handmade book created especially for children with additional needs
This isn’t just another monkey story — it’s a celebration of rhythm, repetition, and hand-drawn charm, crafted to support early learning through laughter and play.
Inspired by the classic Five Little Monkeys rhyme and created in response to the needs of my own pupils with severe learning difficulties, Five Mischievous Monkeys adds a brand-new twist: a cheeky hide-and-seek adventure that invites children to join in. Each illustration was lovingly drawn by hand — long before AI tools made illustration automatic — and every word was written with care, reflecting the rhythms and humour that children with SEND often find most engaging
This book was written for children with severe and complex learning needs, especially those working at early B Squared levels. It supports:
- Repetition and Rhythm – to aid memory, language development, and anticipation
- Counting to 5 – through play and rhyme
- Visual Scanning – via hide-and-seek interactions on each page
- Recognition of Colour and Character – using real monkey traits (e.g. red-bottom, black-eyed)
- Symbolic Props – including bibs and dummies, mirroring real-life experiences of children with PMLD
Suggested Props (Tactile + Symbolic):
- Soft toy monkeys (not inflatables – more sensory-friendly)
- Blue hat
- Dummy (for White-tailed monkey)
- Black glasses
- Pink ribbon and frilly bib (for Pink monkey)
- Bibs for all monkeys (reflecting many PMLD pupils’ needs)
Sensory Engagement Tips:
Counting Pages:
- Use finger puppets or soft toys. Encourage children to touch and count along.
- Use consistent rhythm in voice. Try a drum or clap for each count.
Hide-and-Seek Scenes:
- Pause and ask: “Can you find the monkey hiding?”
- Use real leaves, fabrics, or boxes to simulate hiding and peeking.
- If you find the 5 monkeys click the link to claim your free certificate below
Falling Monkeys:
- Use cushions or gentle props to act out a soft fall.
- Add bandages or plasters to monkeys as part of the routine.
- Repeat the refrain: “No more climbing in the tree!” with tone changes.
Jumping on the Bed Ending:
- Lay out a soft mat or bed-like space. Allow children to gently bounce, sway, or move to rhythm.
- Encourage vocal play or mimicry: “No more monkeys jumping on the bed!”
Schema Links:
- Positioning (hide/seek)
- Trajectory (falling, jumping)
- Enclosure (blankets, bibs)
- Transporting (moving monkeys around)
- Connection (mummy monkey and her little ones)
Communication & Learning Outcomes (B Squared Links):
- Reacting to repeated sounds or gestures
- Showing anticipation or excitement
- Noticing familiar words (e.g., “five”, “come”)
- Participating in vocal play or shared attention
- Identifying characters through props or colour
Reflection Questions for Adults:
- Did the child respond to repetition or rhythm?
- Were they engaged by the counting or hiding sequences?
- Did they react differently to each monkey or prop?
- What sensory elements seemed most meaningful?
There is also a FREE Sensory Activity Pack available to download Five_Mischievous_Monkeys_Sensory_Activity_Pack
